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Sep 25th Clearwater Inshore Report: Work
September 23, 2025 Clearwater 2 photos
Clearwater Report Photo 0
Redfish
Redfish
Snook
Snook

Trip Summary

Last week we teed up a pure inshore game plan—and it’s paying off. With bait thick and tides pushing, the most reliable action around Clearwater Harbor and up into St. Joseph Sound has come from oyster beds, mangrove edges, and dock lines. If you fish the structure correctly—quiet approach, right angle, right timing—you’ll stay bent on snook and redfish, with bonus trout and mangrove snapper in the mix. Conditions Snapshot Bait: Pilchards easy at first light on markers and windward edges; glass minnows on sand troughs near the beach. Tides: The first 90 minutes of moving water is gold (incoming for reds on the bushes; either direction for snook on docks). Water: Clarity swings with wind; cleaner water = lighter leader and longer casts. Launch: Seminole Street Boat Ramp (Clearwater) and Turtle Cove Marina (Tarpon Springs) for short runs to protected structure. Oyster Beds: Don’t Rush the Edges Why they work: Current wraps and slows—perfect ambush lanes for reds, trout, and snapper. Boat setup: Idle in and stake/power-pole up-tide; avoid wake on the bars. Live bait: Pinfish or pilchards on a 1/0 circle, 25–30 lb fluoro; let the tide carry the bait along the shell edge. Lures: Gold spoon for search, then a 3–4" paddletail (1/8 oz) when you contact fish. Tip: If you nick shell, you’re in the lane—re-tie often. Mangrove Edges: Pitch Pockets, Not the Wall Presentation: Short, accurate underhand pitches past the pocket; swim the bait with the tide out of the shadows. Live bait: Free-lined pilchards or cut bait placed up-tide so it settles naturally at the opening. Lures: Weedless jerk shad or paddletail on a 3/0 EWG hook; keep it quiet. Leader: Start 30–40 lb on snook days; drop to 25–30 lb if it’s clear and the fish are wary. Docks & Seawalls: Shade + Angle = Snook Why they work: Predictable shade lines and pilings that funnel bait. Boat handling: Set up up-current and cast past the target; let the bait cross the shade seam under control. Live bait: Pilchards on 1/0–3/0 circles; count it down for mid-water strikes. Lures: Walk-the-dog topwater at gray light; then a 1/4 oz jighead + 4–5" paddletail to work pilings. Tip: Most misses come from bad angles—fix the line of travel, not the lure. Tackle & Settings (What We’re Running) Rods/Reels: Medium to med-heavy Shimano 3000–4000. Line/Leader: 20–30 lb braid to 30–40 lb fluoro (snook around structure), lighter for open flats. Hooks/Jigs: 1/0–3/0 circles; 1/8–1/4 oz jigheads; spoons for search. Quiet boat = more bites: Soft feet, slow hatches, and keep the trolling motor a click lower than you think. Best Trips to Book (Inshore, This Week) 2-Hour Quick Trip — $300: Sunrise structure hop (docks or an oyster line) with minimal running. 4-Hour Inshore — $550 (most popular): Prime tide on two structures—mangrove edges then dock shade. Small Tweaks, Big Difference Leader check every fish or nick—snook sandpaper will cost you. Cast past the spot so the bait travels naturally through the strike zone. Pause at the edge of an oyster bar or pocket—let current finish the presentation. If you bump shell or dock and spook fish, stake out and let it rest—then return with a quieter angle. Where We Focused This Week Dock lines with early shade inside Clearwater Harbor. Mangrove points and pockets on the flood north toward St. Joseph Sound. Oyster bars with clean water and moderate flow—especially where a grass flat meets shell. What We Provide All licenses, premium Shimano gear, bait/tackle, ice & water, and hands-on coaching for any experience level. Bring sun protection, snacks, and a small cooler for your car if you plan to take fish home (when allowed). Next Week’s Preview Sheepshead on docks and bridges. As we edge toward fall fronts, expect rising numbers on pilings and fenders. We’ll cover fiddler/crab and shrimp/sand flea rigs, how to feel the thump and set the hook, and which tide angles keep your bait in the bite zone.
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Paul Duffey
Clearwater, Florida, United States
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October 23rd – Clearwater Inshore Action
October 23rd – Clearwater Inshore Action
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October 16th - Inshore Fishing Heats Up:
October 16th - Inshore Fishing Heats Up:
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October 7th – Clearwater Fishing Update:
October 7th – Clearwater Fishing Update:
October 7, 2025
As the fall season settles into Clearwater, we’re seeing some of the best inshore fishing conditions of the year. Cooler mornings, shifting tides, and cleaner water are setting the stage for steady action around bridges, docks, and grass flats. Our recent 4-hour Clearwater fishing charters have been full of variety — and plenty of bent rods! ? What’s Biting This Week This week, sheepshead and mangrove snapper have been the main targets around dock pilings and bridges, providing both steady action and great table fare. Redfish are schooling up in small packs along oyster bars, and we’ve had several days where doubles and triples came over the rail at once. Closer to the passes and nearshore structure, snook are still active — especially during the first few hours of daylight. The early morning tide change is prime time to hook into a few before the sun gets high. Whether you’re fishing as a family or looking for a quick solo trip, these 4-hour charters are the perfect way to get on the water without committing to a full day. With great weather and a variety of fish biting close to shore, it’s one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy the Gulf. ⚓ Why Fish Clearwater This Fall Clearwater’s waters are alive right now — clean tides, cooler temps, and plenty of baitfish have everything feeding. Our short trips keep you close to the action, running from the Clearwater Beach boat ramps out to nearby bridges, spoil islands, and the grass flats that surround the Intracoastal. Every trip is personalized, so whether you’re chasing redfish, snook, trout, or sheepshead, we’ll tailor the experience to your goals. If you haven’t joined us yet, now’s the time — fall fishing in Clearwater is something special. ? Stay Connected Want to keep up with what’s biting each week? ? Sign up for our email updates on **hidden content** to get fishing reports, seasonal tips, and early access to booking specials straight to your inbox. ? Next Week’s Preview: Big Trout on the Move Next week, we’ll dive into the inshore bite as big speckled trout start moving into the shallows with the cooling water temperatures. We’ll talk about where to find them, what lures and baits work best, and how to turn your next 4-hour trip into a trophy trout adventure!
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